Eli5 how could an electromagnetic impulse, say from the sun for example, disable a whole power grid?
In: Physics
The most vulnerable item would be the transformers that are used to step up the voltage from the generator voltages to transmission voltages for delivery to the loads, where they are stepped down again. These units are huge and lead times for buying them are can be in terms of years. Many utilities will have spares for critical locations (imagine having a multimillion dollar “spare” sitting there idle for years on end) but even then, there is considerable time involved in making the changes. Repairs usually involve removing the unit back to the factory for de-tanking and complete rewinds, although some could be done on site depending on severity. Even then, they can be time consuming.
A transformer is designed for a specific frequency and voltage. When these change from the induced currents of a magnetic pulse, the impedance of the unit changes drastically resulting in overheating, insulation failure from voltage spikes, core saturation, etc.
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